Abstract
Microhardness variations across the friction stir welded (FSW) and impulse friction stir welded (IFSW) AA2024–T351 joints have been elucidated by the transformations of the S–Al2CuMg phase with a special focus on a distinguished hardness peak within the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the impulse welds. The increase in hardness within the stir zone (SZ) originated from the partial re-precipitation of the initial Guinier–Preston-Bagaryatsky zones (GPB) and metastable S needles, previously dissolved.) Formation and growth of stable S precipitates via coalescence accounted for the softening through the thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). The peak strengthening within the HAZ of the IFSW joints was mainly caused by the dense needle-shaped S particles, which can be explained by a mutual influence of the process specific temperature and strain cycles. Dislocations and subgrain boundaries introduced to the material due to plastic deformation facilitated the nucleation of strengthening S precipitates in the HAZ. It demonstrates that the impact of deformation should be considered by the characterization of the precipitation development in the HAZ.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have